Security forces gather after a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on February 15, 2021. AFP
Security forces gather after a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on February 15, 2021. AFP
Security forces gather after a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on February 15, 2021. AFP
Security forces gather after a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on February 15, 2021. AFP

Iraq

Erbil rocket attacks in Iraq: What we know so far and what comes next

A US base was attacked in the Kurdish Region of Iraq on Monday night, killing one person and injuring several others

Mina Aldroubi
Robert Tollast
Abu Dhabi

February 16, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Two men stand near the scene of a rocket attack targeting Erbil's airport, the first time in nearly two months that Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq. AFP
    Two men stand near the scene of a rocket attack targeting Erbil's airport, the first time in nearly two months that Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq. AFP
  • A man inspects the damage near the scene of a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
    A man inspects the damage near the scene of a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
  • There were several blasts and a fire blazing for a few minutes near the airport. AFP
    There were several blasts and a fire blazing for a few minutes near the airport. AFP
  • Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, where mortar shells reportedly struck close to the airport. Reuters
    Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, where mortar shells reportedly struck close to the airport. Reuters
  • Security forces gather following a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
    Security forces gather following a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
  • People look at damage caused by the rocket attack on Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Eight rockets targeted the airport, one of which hit an apartment complex near the US consulate. EPA
    People look at damage caused by the rocket attack on Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Eight rockets targeted the airport, one of which hit an apartment complex near the US consulate. EPA
  • Broken glass at the Bright Castle Motors building after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq. Reuters
    Broken glass at the Bright Castle Motors building after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq. Reuters
  • Five people were wounded and many shops damaged, security officials said. EPA
    Five people were wounded and many shops damaged, security officials said. EPA

Erbil Attack

How do we know Iran might be linked to the attack? 

What was the response of the Iraqi government?

Have there been any attacks before on Erbil airport?

Could there be a conflict?

Iraq